As a thin, lanky fellow I often find that long sleeved jerseys are a tough order. Either the jersey is too loose and hangs on my nearly non-existent upper body or the snug fit is exchanged for short arms and a bare lower back when I slip into the drops. Perhaps it’s because European cyclists are built more like me and less like the peddling running backs I tend to see on the road in Sacramento, but the Prologo Jersey avoids both these problems and offers a race fit jersey that meets my gloves at my wrist.

The first day out in the Prologo was a crisp, bright late fall day – typical of the region – and I was surprised by both how well the jersey breathed and how warm it kept me on the chilly descents. Unlike the fleece lined Pearl Izumi long sleeved jersey I have in the back of my closet, the Prologo stays dry, even if the rider is out of shape and sweating heavily as he struggles up modest climbs – not that this reviewer would know anything about that.

My only complaint about the jersey is small – the zipper pocket is just a touch too small for my iPhone. Of course, it’s not enough to prevent me from buying myself a short sleeve Prologo for the summer; I need something to match my new bibshorts.

These are probably one of the most comfortable pair of shorts I’ve ever worn. The KISS3 padding offers all the support in the right places and according to the Castelli website, doesn’t require chamois cream – this reviewer only uses a cream on the longest of rides anyway.

The shorts themselves tend to stay where you put them while allowing full mobility. The leg cuffs offer a firm enough grip without the rubbery, hair pulling – yes, this reviewer has hair on his legs – that so many other shorts offer.

Speaking of hair – and I’m going to try to say this delicately – Castelli sent me the red, white and black kit – I’m not sure how they knew it would match my bike – and, well, I’m a hairy man and one that prefers not to go through the trouble of “manscaping”. I will say that, standing in front of the mirror, there was a visible dark patch where the short might have wanted to offer a bit more coverage. Now, this isn’t really an issue in the saddle – or for someone with less contrasting skin and hair colors – but if you’re like me and sometimes find yourself in your full kit, barefoot waiting in line for an espresso…well, let’s face it, if you’re wearing your bibshorts at Starbucks on a regular basis, it’s probably not something you’re going to be overly shy about but, if you’re worried you might want to stick with black.

Overall, I’m in love with this kit, in spite of the minor complaints above. The bibshorts are an affordable upgrade from those of us who might normally stick with the $75 shorts from Pearl Izumi and well worth the extra cash. The jersey fits great and I sure look a whole lot faster all decked out.